Microcomputer Applications I

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
OADM 1256
Descriptive
Microcomputer Applications I
Department
Office Administration
Faculty
Commerce & Business Administration
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201430
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 Weeks x 4 Hrs. per week = 60 Hrs.
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
Lecture: 3 Hrs. Seminar: 1 Hr. Total: 4 Hrs.
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Learning Activities

A combination of lecture, demonstration, guided practice, web-based training, and self-paced lab assignments and projects will be used.  Active learning is an integral part of this course, and major emphasis will be placed on a “hands-on” environment to allow students to work both independently and collaboratively to learn and apply microcomputer application skills and techniques.

Course Description
This course is a “hands-on” microcomputer course. The students will develop a basic working knowledge of microcomputers with emphasis on the Windows interface, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Students will apply the knowledge and use of these tools to solve problems encountered in an office environment. Students will be expected to integrate their learning and to incorporate the use of these tools in the production of professional documents that adhere to workplace standards.
Course Content

Module 1 – Hardware and Software [1]

1.1         Define the term computer and discuss the four basic computer operations: input, processing, output, and storage.
1.2         Describe the use and handling of auxiliary storage devices.
1.3         Explain the difference between system software and application software.
1.4         Describe several types of personal computer applications software.
1.5         Discuss computer communications channels, networks and equipment.

Module 2 – Windows Interface [1]

2.1         Perform the four basic mouse operations and utilize keyboard shortcuts.
2.2         Obtain on-line Help while using an application.
2.3         Understand and use directory structures and paths in file management.
2.4         Use Windows Explorer to: identify directory structures and paths; select, copy and move one file or a group of files; create, rename and delete a file or directory.

Module 3 – Word Processing [7]

3.1         Create, save, preview, print, close, open, and edit a Word document.
3.2         Proofread and correct all types of Word documents with the Spell and Grammar Checker, and Thesaurus.
3.3         Enhance documents with character, paragraph and global formatting features.
3.4         Adjust margins and line spacing.
3.5         Create headers and/or footers.
3.6         Use and modify styles.
3.7         Adjust page breaks and section breaks.
3.8         Insert special symbols, bullets, and enumerations.
3.9         Create custom tab settings.
3.10       Create footnotes and/or endnotes.
3.11       Create documents with the aid of wizards and templates.
3.12       Create and use both AutoCorrect and AutoText features.
3.13       Insert, complete and format a Word table.
3.14       Address and print envelopes and mailing labels.
3.15       Use graphic features like colouring, shading and setting borders to enhance a table.
3.16       Draw a table and format cells in the table.
3.17       Import, edit and format clip art, including setting text wrap options.
3.18       Generate form letters and mailing labels.
3.19       Design a newsletter utilizing columns and graphic elements.

Module 4 – Database

4.1         Create a customer database with multiple tables.
4.2         Modify and update tables while establishing validation rules.
4.3         Perform queries and generate related reports.
4.4         Create single-field and multiple-field indexes.
4.5         Create, modify, print and save reports.
4.6         Create, format, modify and save forms.
4.7         Enhance forms with date, memo, OLE, and hyperlink fields.
4.8         Modify tables and save table properties.

Module 5 – Spreadsheet

5.1         Create a simple sales report with an embedded chart.
5.2         Create an investment portfolio analysis utilizing a web query and 3-D referencing.
5.3         Design a financial report that facilitates “what-if” analysis.
5.4         Generate a 3-D chart incorporating graphic elements.

Learning Outcomes

The learner has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Explain the principal hardware components of the microcomputer, how they work together, and their relationship to software applications;
  2. Use the Windows interface to perform basic software functions and to organize and manage directories and files effectively;
  3. Use the microcomputer as a decision making and problem solving tool;
  4. Use word processing software to produce a variety of business documents meeting industry standards for timely completion, correctness of content and format, and professional appearance;
  5. Use database software to create and maintain a relational customer database, and routinely retrieve information by performing queries and generating reports;
  6. Use spreadsheet software capable of answering “what-if” questions to solve business problems;
  7. Produce business documents requiring the integration of word processing, presentation graphics and spreadsheet software.
Means of Assessment
Word Tests (2)  45%
Excel Test  20%
Access Test  20%
Assignments/Projects    15%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

 

Grauer, Robert T. and Maryann Barber.  Microsoft Office, Volume I, Latest Ed., New Jersey: Pearson Education.

Prerequisites

Typing speed of 25 net words per minute or OADM 1103 or OADM 1106.

Which Prerequisite

OADM 1239 and OADM 1322 and OADM 1326 and OADM 1327 and OADM 1328 and OADM 1329 and OADM 1339 and OADM 1345 and OADM 1356 and OADM 1401